Fairfield Elementary makes warm donation to Toys-for-Tots

You’re never too young to make a difference, and students at Fairfield Elementary proved that through a school-wide holiday service project that focused on giving back to others.

Every month, Media Aide/Librarian, Karrie Kreinbrink decorates the Fairfield Elementary library to match the stories she reads to classes. In December, Kreinbrink chose the book How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

“We thought it would be nice to use this story since the new movie had just hit theaters and we liked the message,” said Kreinbrink.

In the classic storyline, the Grinch discovers that the true meaning of Christmas isn’t about gifts from a store.

“We used this tagline in the library to teach the classes that this time of year was about giving back to others and that we should celebrate helping others year-round,” said Kreinbrink.

With inspiration from the story, Kreinbrink wanted to incorporate the library’s Makerspace into a service project. Makerspace is an environment where students can collaborate, and participate in creative hands-on activities.

“I thought it would be nice to use our Makerspace area as a way to teach the kids even more about giving back.”

So, to incorporate the lesson, Kreinbrink decided to have the students tie fleece blankets and scarves to donate to the Violet Township Department Toys-for-Tots toy drive.

Over Thanksgiving break, Kreinbrink and Duty Aides Tina Swann and Kim Wallick worked diligently to decorate the library like “Whoville,” the town in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The most important decoration was the big red sleigh, where completed blankets and scarves would be on display for all to see until taken to the toy drive.

Fairfield Elementary staff members and businesses throughout the community also participated in the service project by donating supplies and decorations. The whole project was a team effort, especially the process of tying the blankets and scarves.

Third and fourth-grade classes tied the fleece blankets, second-grade students each made one scarf (each student tying both ends), and first-grade students colored gift tags that were attached to each blanket and scarf.

“The kids were so excited to be a part of helping our community, and I could not be more proud of them,” said Kreinbrink.

Once every class finished, the total donation for Toys-for-Tots was 52 blankets and 110 scarves.

“I really hope that we were able to spread a little kindness and happiness within our community,” said Kreinbrink.

A big congratulations to everyone at Fairfield Elementary for this awesome donation. You not only inspire us, but you make #PLSDproud!